House Cat in Peace River Set on Fire

Peace River RCMP are probing an animal cruelty case in which they suspect a cat was doused in gasoline and set on fire.

Residents reported hearing a small explosion around 4 a.m. Sunday near a pathway along River Road in Peace River, Alberta.

A witness reported seeing a ball of flames on the pathway. Police found the remains of a burnt cat and a gas can nearby. The SPCA investigated, but could only confirm that a small animal had been doused in gasoline and lit on fire.

Officers suspect whoever burned the cat may have spilled gasoline on their clothing. It’s not known if the animal was alive or dead when the fire was first lit. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.